*DOMINION MANDATE DAILY DEVOTION*

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2020

*SHUN BUSTERS, HOLD ON TO BOOSTERS*

*BIBLE READING: PROVERBS 13:20*

*“The man of too many friends [chosen indiscriminately] will be broken in pieces and come to ruin, But there is a [true, loving] friend who [is reliable and] sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs‬ ‭18:24‬ ‭(AMP).*

We have established that isolation leads to destruction and to go far in life, we have to go together in unity with friendships and relationships that matter. Today however, we are going to look at one of the things we must give attention to, in choosing true friends.

In life, we meet and associate with a lot of people. The choice of who to bring into close relationship with us is very crucial because it will determine to a large extent, our success or failure in life. The person you are today is a sum total of the three closest relationships in your life. A wise man once said “show me your friend and I will tell you who you are.” All the people in your life can be separated into two broad categories. You have the “Boosters” and the “Busters”.

A booster is a person who edifies and uplifts you. When you are down, the person helps to raise you up to stand on your feet. When you go wrong, they point it out to you in love and will help to stabilise you on the right path. They boost you and help you become a better version of yourself amidst glaring obstacles. The person who is a booster is the one who will pray with you, for you, encourage you, and help you develop capacity so you can attain and become the person God created you to be by ordination. Jonathan was a booster to David when he was facing trials and persecution from king Saul, he helped to shield David, swore a covenant with David which he kept by hiding him and helping him escape king Saul. (1 Samuel 18:3).

Busters on the other hand, are people who prevent you from becoming who God has destined you to be directly or indirectly. They help waste your time, resources and your life. They never have anything good or positive to say about you or others. If you have friends whose only interests are having fun, going on the next shopping spree or hitting the clubs every weekend, then they are busters. If you have friends who always discourage you, talk down your ideas and deride you, friends who make you feel less than worthy and make you think that you will amount to nothing, and that your dreams will never happen, you have found a buster. They are the ones who will give you counsel that will destroy you and even help you on the path of destruction. In Scripture, Amnon David’s first son had such a friend; his name was Jonadab. You can find the story in 2 Samuel 13. He gave Amnon the counsel that led him to rape his half-sister Tamar and this eventually led to his death at the hands of Absalom. Another buster identified in the scripture is recorded in the story of the old prophet in Bethel who lied and deceived the young man of God from Judah, that led to his untimely death. (1 Kings 13:11-25).

Examine the relationships in your life today, are there boosters you have been taking for granted, draw them closer to you. You need such friends to attain your full potentials and exercise dominion in your sphere. However, cut off the busters today and see your life move on to the next level.

*PRAYER
Father, I thank You because You have made great plans for my life. I pray that You order my steps to become friends with people who would challenge me to be all that You have planned that I should be. I ask for the Spirit of discernment to know my friends and the courage to separate myself from destructive relationships in Jesus’ Name.